NFPA: National Fire Protection Association
Who They Are & What They Create
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global non-profit organization focused on eliminating death, injury, and property loss from fire, electrical, and other related hazards. They create and publish over 300 codes and standards, with the most well-known being the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the NFPA 1 Fire Code. These documents are widely adopted and enforced by governments and organizations worldwide.
Industries Supported
- Fire & Safety
- Construction & Building
- Electrical
- Emergency Services
- Insurance
Detailed History
NFPA was founded in 1896 by a group of insurance companies and fire underwriters who were concerned about the lack of standardized fire sprinkler systems. They created a uniform standard to reduce the risk of fire and make buildings safer. This early success led NFPA to expand its focus to all aspects of fire and life safety. The organization became known for its consensus-based standards development and advocacy for public fire safety education. The NFPA 101 Life Safety Code is another of their landmark publications, a foundational document for building design and egress.